I know most of you will think I am still drunk from yesterday to make this comment, given my usual thoughts on him, however I was honestly disapointed that Dan Harding did not get on the pitch.

A big surprise to me yesterday was that Jason Puncheon made the bench, the prodigal son has become the forgotten man in recent weeks even though the right of midfield has been a problem area, initially it made sense for Puncheon to come on and bring fresh legs in the closing minutes in place of Adam Lallana but in truth it should have been Dan Harding to have come on.

Yes i have been a critic of the blonde haired left back over the past couple of seasons but I have nothing personal against him, its only a matter of wanting the best players in every position, however in his three years at the club Harding has put in some good displays at times and I think he should have come on for those final seven minutes and not Puncheon.

Harding deserved to get on the pitch and enjoy the occasion, bask in the adoration of the fans as they counted down the minutes to full time and promotion, Harding has been a loyal servant to Saints whereas Puncheon has not, Nigel Adkins understandably probably didnt think of this when he brought on Puncheon, but with the game won Harding could easily have been a straight swap on the left for Lallana and it would have been fitting.

Photo: Action Images

ThermosNBlanket added 10:44 - Apr 29 Your still pissed...have a hair of the dog.
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Sanguin added 11:03 - Apr 29 Puncheon was brought on to raise his profile and his value before we sell him this summer. Simple!
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andywelsh added 12:13 - Apr 29 I think Punchoen and De Ridder were brought on as neither may be in our plans for the Premier League. Puncheon has already failed to cut it at that level and cannot cement a place in our Championship side. De Ridder has the pace we will require in the team, but not the delivery. If you are going to improve the side these two are potentially surplus to requirements. The entire defense worries me, but I think we will only make one additional centre half purchase and see how it goes first half of the season.

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grampy added 13:38 - Apr 29 Completely agree with above, thought at the time Pucheon was on the bench to raise his sell on value but would not have been such a good pick if things were going pear shaped. Harding will need to raise his game somewhat, as will all of them but yes he should have been out there.
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schatfield added 02:26 - Apr 30 I agree with you, Harding should have come on. He has played some important games this year. It was nice to see Bialowski, our forgotton goalie, on the bench though...
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simmo400 added 06:31 - Apr 30 Good point Nick. He deseved his swan song more than Puncheon.
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Webbinho added 09:26 - Apr 30 Completely agree. Harding has put in some good performances over the last 3 years and deserved some game time. It must be tough for some of the squad players to celebrate knowing they probably won't be a part of things next season.
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